Garda investigations into assault and death are ‘well advanced’

GARDAÍ are “well advanced” in their investigations into the death of a young father who was assaulted just days before Christmas.

Keith Mills, aged 22, from north Dublin, died on New Year’s Day after he received serious head injuries in an attack on December 22.

Garda sources said there were complications in Mr Mills’s condition following the attack and that his condition deteriorated over Christmas. Mr Mills died at Beaumont Hospital on New Year’s Day surrounded by his family.

It is understood that Mr Mills, from Clandonagh Road, Donnycarney, was involved in a row over a relatively minor dispute with someone he knew.

The assault took place at an apartment in Airfield, in nearby Coolock.

Gardaí moved quickly after they were alerted and arrested a man on December 22.

He was taken to Coolock Garda Station and questioned under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.

The man is from the Coolock area and is known to the police.

He was released from custody pending the preparation of a file for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Gardaí conducted a forensic examination at the scene and interviewed a number of witnesses, who provided statements on the attack.

“The investigation is very well advanced,” said a Garda source. “A file has gone to the DPP for his directions.”

Garda sources said that they were processing the investigation speedily and were now just awaiting toxicology reports, which tend to take some time.